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Psalms Chapter 137 (WEB)

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Psalms 137
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1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 On the willows in the midst of it, We hung up our harps.

3 For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: \"Sing us one of the songs of Zion!\"

4 How can we sing Yahweh's song in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget its skill.

6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you; If I don't prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

7 Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, The day of Jerusalem; Who said, \"Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!\"

8 Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, He will be happy who rewards you, As you have served us.

9 Happy shall he be, Who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalm 137 about?
It's a lament of Jewish exiles "by the rivers of Babylon," who wept remembering Zion and hung their harps on the willows rather than sing for their captors (vv.1-3).
What does verse 5 vow about Jerusalem?
V.5 vows, "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning," a promise never to forget the city even in exile.
How does the psalm end?
It ends harshly, pronouncing "happy" whoever repays Babylon "as thou hast served us," including a violent line against "her little ones" (v.9), reflecting the raw anguish of the exiles.

Today's Verse

And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast hotly pursued after me?

Genesis 31:36 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

The psalmist vows never to forget Jerusalem, even letting his "right hand forget her cunning" first, before closing with a harsh cry against Edom and Babylon similar in tone to Isaiah 13:16. Browse further on the Psalms overview or continue to Psalms 138.